Lifestyle Archives - A Peachie Life

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2022

July 5, 2022 No Comments

The time has come for the 2022 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: are you ready? Read more for my affordable links and round-up posts for each category!

This sale, otherwise known as the “NSALE” is a yearly occurrence where Nordstrom heavily discounts some really great items. What’s more, they are generally items for the upcoming season instead of past seasons’ products that didn’t sell. This is probably my favorite part – and it’s a great time to stock up on both future wardrobe options and some of my longtime favorites that are on sale!

If you’re wondering if this sale is actually affordable – the answer is YES. Of the 100+ items I have highlighted, 96 are under $100, and 62 are under $50.

What’s more, I have put together some collages of my favorite sale items within each category, this way you can easily “Favorite” them and get them ready to shop when the sale starts! If you haven’t already, follow me on the LTK app: a.peachie.life or you can click on the “Shop My Instagram” page here on the blog. This will ensure you have all of the most up-to-date links and best deals!

Screenshot each of these photo collages and shop the 2022 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale through the LTK app!

Happy Shopping!

Lifestyle, Travel

Experience Winter in Park City, Utah with Me: Winter Trip Guide

January 23, 2022 No Comments

Follow my “Winter Wonderland” Experience & Tips for Visiting Park City, Utah!

Floridians are deemed as “blessed” by a majority of the nation because let’s face it: our state is beautiful and we don’t struggle through the winter months shoveling snow. However, being a true Floridian, I have never truly experienced the snow. Dustings in the Appalachians in North Carolina and Tennessee on a lucky occasion? Sure. Real snow that stays and you can ski on? Not until recently when we took our first ski trip to Park City, Utah. This trip was so incredibly amazing and I am beyond excited to share it with you in hopes that you can share in the awe and maybe even use some helpful info. Links are provided throughout! Follow our winter wonderland experience in Park City, Utah!

winter pine tree covered in snow in the snowy utah countryside

Flight

I’m all about direct flights anywhere and we were able to find a flight directly from Orlando to Salt Lake City! It was about a 5 hour flight and very easy to get to Park City from the airport. The Salt Lake City Airport is very clean and updated and we got a car service directly to our hotel, arriving in about 30-45 minutes. We JUST hit a winter storm rolling through — which we have never experienced while on the highway — so that was a little exciting! We arrive to the hotel in one (warm) piece and it was as if the doors to a real life winter wonderland were opened.

Hotel

I’ll be honest: I have only wanted to go to Park City, Utah because I had seen some beautiful photos on Pinterest years ago. I didn’t know anything about the ski culture or the upscale reputation it had, and I was lucky enough that my husband and best friends just agreed to go along with whatever destination!

After scouring through a few resorts that really caught our eye, we ended up booking with Hotel Park City. This is a much smaller resort in the heart of Park City that has both hotel rooms and villas on-site but that are a bit more removed. We opted to each get a villa with an adjoining door; make note if you plan to go with friends or family and want to be close but still have your own space! Our “home” overlooked a beautiful little lake and mountainside and provided the peace and quiet we all wanted by the end of each busy day.

Hotel Park City is a Four Diamond Resort, complete with a golf course for those of you who are thinking of visiting the area in the warmer months. The grand lobby is elegant but cozy and provides some incredible views upon check-in or as you are passing through. They have a Ruth’s Chris within the resort, as well as a more casual restaurant to grab a quick breakfast before skiing or a hearty lunch to help you through the day. The main campus hosts a large outdoor heated pool and spa, as well as a full service spa inside. The four of us were able to schedule ourselves for an extended massage and spa treatment all at the same time so we didn’t have to miss out on anything during our days together. Our experience was great – the staff friendly and accommodating and the massages were excellent!

front if Hotel Park City in the snow Park City Hotel lobby with large windows overlooking a snowy mountain with tall pines covered outdoor area with Christmas garland around wood beams tall pine with red christmas lights glowing in the early morning snow with a cotton candy sunrise sky behind it. mountain in background and heated pool in forefront

The villas are on-site but require a short walk or complimentary car ride. Don’t worry, they will bring all of your luggage and help you get all settled in when your home is ready. We were thrilled with how beautiful and cozy everything was – perfectly complimenting the outside terrain and season around it! We had a full kitchen complete with large fridge, microwave, dishwasher and stove as well as one master bedroom, two full bathrooms and a large living space. Three fireplaces could be found throughout – all gas – one in the main living area, one in the master and one outside on the covered patio next to the hot tub (perfect for a low key night watching the snow fall!). The rooms were very spacious with a window offering a picturesque view at every turn; it was honestly a little difficult to not just want to cozy up all day every day and never leave!

See a video tour of our villa here.

winter ski villa with snow and glowing lights with tall pine and red christmas lights glowing beside it in the early morning indoor of ski villa overlooking kitchen and living space with big wood beams and cozy cabin feel winter cabin kitchen overlooking living area with snow and tall pine trees in the window view hotel villa living area overview in winter with log and wood framing master bathtub and bathroom in ski lodge villa blonde girl in red bikini sitting in hot tub in the snow smiling hot tub in ski villa in snow overlooking snowy background back of a hotel villa in the snow and pine trees with large scenic windows overlooking a lake cozy bedroom window view of a snow lined street with winter villas winter snow lined street with hotel villas in the snow with tall pine trees winter scene overlooking blue lake with mountains in the background and snow on the ground and in the pine trees early winter sunrise with snow and tall pine trees with blue and pink clouds

Room service was fabulous on the nights we just couldn’t bring our sore selves to get dressed up and venture out — even in the single digit temperatures, the dinners from Ruth’s Chris made it through the snow and over to our room still plenty warm and delicious.

Overall, our stay with Hotel Park City was fabulous and we would do it again in a heartbeat! I highly recommend this resort as a strong contender on your next venture out to Park City.

Learn more about Hotel Park City and book your next stay here!

snow-covered christmas tree in utah two blonde girls in ski gear jumping the snow with a snowman early morning winter sunrise with pink and orange sky in the snowy mountains of park city, utah

What to Wear

friends in ski gear in the snow with beautiful utah mountains in the background

In true Floridian fashion (literally), we didn’t own any real ski clothing. I have a few thicker coats but no ski pants, ski jackets, gloves, goggles – I mean NOTHING. I have a pair of Sorels and a pair of Bean boots and that’s about it! Luckily one of our friends found a website which was so helpful for folks in our situation – you are able to select and rent anything and everything you need for different winter occasions!

Kit Lender was a website the four of us used to rent our ski gear – pants, boots (snow boots, not the ski boots), jacket, gloves, and goggles and had the amazing option to have it all shipped to the hotel to arrive before we did, and we easily packed it up and sent it all right back at the end of our trip! It was so incredibly convenient – all boxes already have the shipping labels and everything needed and you can leave them at the front desk when they are ready to be sent back.

I found the site itself to be up-front and user friendly and the reviews for different products were quite helpful. The customer service was very efficient with their response time and if you ordered an item that was out of stock in your size, they were quick to contact us with alternatives.

The “rental” part of renting clothing can understandably make a few folks give a side eye, but to be honest both my jacket and pants both still had brand new tags on them! I was very satisfied with the overall quality of all of the items Jeff and I received – they were not only new items but were great brands and truly kept us warm and comfortable so we could enjoy being outdoors and taking in this beautiful world!

Take a look at what Kit Lender has to offer here!

As I mentioned before – I did use a few pieces of my own, mainly to layer underneath or to walk around town in or wear out to dinner. All of these photos below have my outfits linked and you can shop them all by clicking the “SHOP MY INSTAGRAM” tab here on the blog or by screenshotting the photos and finding them on LTK or LikeToKNOW.it (add me! @stinamarina).

A few of these items I have had for a few years now, and have found myself following that trend within the normal parameters of my style these days. I am beginning to whittle down my closet to more quality pieces I can wear one and over and style in different ways: classic looks that are less trendy and more about what is most flattering and timeless.

Give me a follow on Instagram and LTK @stinamarina to stay inspired!

two blonde girls with blue and tan trench coats and winter clothing in the snowy town of park city, utah

Where to Ski

It goes without saying that I had no idea what I was doing in the snow. Aside from plopping my behind down on a sled and barreling down a hill, I was completely clueless on how to act. Luckily, one of us was a seasoned skier and helped the other three of us navigate the waters of where to ski, what type of lessons to take, how to get our ski equipment, and how to pace ourselves throughout the trip. We were so thankful for that!

Our skiing all took place in Deer Valley, specifically at the St. Regis. We were fitted for all of our ski rental equipment and purchased our lift passes through Deer Valley – our equipment through them included skis, ski boots, poles and helmets. The staff was very knowledgable and friendly and helped to ensure our safety and comfort for our exciting first experience skiing!

st. regis deer valley resort in the winter snow and mountains deer valley utah ski resort entry in the snow and winter

We also decided to take a private group lesson – just the four of us with an instructor. Worth every penny in case you’re on the fence about it! Our instructor, Steve, was absolutely amazing and so patient with us as we pizza’d all the way down the mountain and refused to open our eyes on the chairlift with fear we would plummet down into a canyon. Seriously though, the right instructor with enough one-on-one time can make such a difference in your understanding and (slow) work toward mastering the basics of such a fun sport. Steve and Deer Valley – if y’all ever see this: we were so impressed by the safety measures of the facility and the friendliness of the staff – Steve especially – and we had a blast making some of the best memories because of people like you! Thank you, thank you!

four friends and their ski instructor in ski gear and in the snow in deer valley, utah husband and wife giving thumbs up in picture together on top of snowy mountain at deer valley ski resort in utah tall man in ski gear on snowy mountain in deer valley utah husband and wife on ski lift with mountain and snow in the background wide expansive nature mountain view with snow and mountains in the winter

There are tons of different runs to ski in Deer Valley, and because they are nestled within the resorts, there are plenty of places to stop off and grab a bite, or at the end of the day: grab a well-deserved cocktail. We continuously found ourselves taking the funicular up to the St. Regis Bar. Both indoor and outdoor fireside seating options are available, with some stellar mountainside views to take in between sips. The menu was plentiful and our favorite savory option was the truffle pizza, and the most popular cocktails in our group were the D’Zeus, the Aspen Leaf, and the Final Letter. All were excellent! Sunset marks the complementary champagne toast, so don’t be late!

entry to funicular at st. regis deer valley utah resort pretty cocktail with a yellow and black edible flower and a light foam on top expansive view from mountaintop at st. regis deer valley utah bar overlooking mountainsides and the sky with a fire pit and beautiful lights

Good Eats

Eating at different restaurants is half the fun of traveling, and luckily one of us (not yours truly) took it upon herself to research and make reservations for a different place almost every night. A few of the places we went and recommend checking out:

Handle

Powder (at the Waldorf Astoria)

Yuki Yama

Grappa

Purple Sage

Half of the enjoyment comes from the atmosphere, and each of these restaurants offered a great one.

What Else to Do

Park City itself is a very cute, clean and easily walkable downtown area with plenty of coffee shops, restaurants and stores to browse for cute trinkets or grab an extra sweater for the chilly days. We made sure to take a few hours to experience the town for what it is and do a little shopping. Easy to navigate and cute to walk around, even in the flurries!

street corner with holiday decor garlands in the snow in downtown park city, utah downtown alley in park city, utah with blue buildings and snow along the sidewalk happy real Christmas tree decorated in downtown Park City, Utah with snow all around and colorful ornaments

One of the more intense experiences we had in Utah was just outside of Park City in Coalville. This was a bit of a drive, so you definitely need to set aside at least a half a day for the overall experience. We took snowmobile tour through the mountains and the views were absolutely breathtaking! I was under the impression that it would be similar to operating a jet ski. Wrong. We were able to ride two to a snowmobile so the boys drove and we hung on for dear life! I think it was scarier going up some of these steep hillsides than going down in a pair of skis, but I’m so glad we did it. I can’t emphasize enough just how magnificent the views were and I definitely recommend giving it a try!

husband and wife in goggles and helmets in the winter snow in utah to go snowmobiling two friends on a snowmobile with blonde hair and ski gear in the snow two blonde girls laying in the snow after getting pushed men getting stuck in the snow in snowmobiles four friends standing together in ski gear in the snow of the utah mountains with the rocky mountains in the background winter pine tree forest covered in snow with a blue tint in snowy utah

Overall, this was one of those vacations where the memories were so amazing and vast that it will be hard to top. Experiencing so many wonderful moments with some of our closest friends just made it even sweeter. Sunshine or snow, it’s worth the stay, and I certainly hope this post will help you to navigate your next trip!

Cheers and thank you for the memories, Park City!

vast winter snowy rocky mountain view in the utah countryside

Lifestyle

Everything You Need to Know About Hair Extensions : 2021

August 9, 2021 No Comments

I want to share with y’all my updated experience with hair extensions for 2021: I’ve used two different types and want to give my fair share of personal information for both. If hair extensions have ever been a consideration for you, grab a drink, get comfy and read below for some helpful information!

In the Orlando, Florida area? Theory Salon is now home to my hair extraordinaire, Emily (here’s her Instagram) and houses many other incredibly talented and kind stylists!

Check out my stories highlight to see more about Theory Salon!

Why get hair extensions?

Initially, I only entertained the thought of hair extensions after realizing they would really help my overall “look” I was going for with my NPC Bikini Competition, so I purchased some temporary clip-ins through a company called Zala, based out of Australia (but now they have a US warehouse as well). After my competition was over, I continued to use them because I realized just how much thickness and length I was really wanting with my hair. Fast-forward about 8 months later and I decided to quit messing around with the clip-ins and just get something more permanent.

Which types of hair extensions have I used?

Clip-ins first and currently I have the Natural Beaded Row (NBR) installed using the hand-tied Habit Extension Method

What is the cost?

I believe my clip-ins were around $200-$300. The NBR extensions are much pricier- your professional stylist will help to recommend how much hair you will need to purchase. Each “pack” of hair can easily cost $300+ dependent on the length and amount of hair within the pack. After purchasing the hair and paying for the application you can expect to spend $500 at the very least. Many times the price can be closer to $750-$1000+. Make sure you are very specific with your stylist regarding the cost and get a strong idea of the money needed for the initial install and cost up front as well as the cost of maintaining the extensions every 6-8 weeks. Needless to say, the clip-ins are a much more affordable option.

Pros and Cons

Clip-Ins:

Pro

Temporary- easily change your look if you don’t want to commit to one or the other

Financially friendly

Able to take them out to style them

No real maintenance involved

Quick application

Con

Feels heavy on your head after wearing for more than a few hours

Can cause irritation or wear down patches of hair on your scalp

May be easy to notice

Difficult to wear certain hairstyles

Hard to keep them unnoticeable while swimming

Uncomfortable to lay down in

If you accidentally snag your hair, it can rip the extension and pull on your hair

Having to re-place the extensions each time you wear them

Natural Beaded Row

Pro

Stay in place; don’t have to reposition or re-place

Can brush, pull, shampoo, etc like normal hair and they won’t snag or come out

Professionally applied to best for the shape of your head and blended to match your current cut

Can swim without worry of extensions being very obvious

Much more comfortable

No “heavy” feeling

Can pull off more hairstyles than with clip-ins

No bald patches or irritation

Con

More costly than clip-ins

Upkeep associated with NBR every 6-8 weeks

When you want to wash your whole head of hair, you have to wash the extensions too, which take longer to wash and add on an extra 30 minutes of drying/styling time afterward

Takes some getting used to after the initial application for about 5-7 days

You are more “committed” to your look

Longer application- mine take about 3 hours to put in

Helpful Hints

With the extensions- whether clip-in, tape-in, NBR, etc., they should all be made up of very high quality hair (something your hairstylist should educate you on).

The hair that extensions are made up of is extremely porous, so a piece of advice I got was to avoid purple shampoo, as this will turn the extensions purple/silver. Avoid heavily chlorinated pools as well, or if you do want to swim, put on some leave-in conditioner prior to getting to the water, as this can easily turn your hair green!

Always use a wide-tooth comb to comb out your hair (wet or dry) starting from the bottom and working your way up to the root until you can pull the comb all the way through without an issue.

Give yourself at least an extra 30 minutes for drying and styling time when you’re working with the extensions too.

Extensions can tangle easily, especially when they are longer, so make sure to take extra precautions to avoid that from happening. Take care of them by using recommended products form your stylist – I use Olaplex on my extensions and real hair and it has made a world of difference!

Even if you have clip-in extensions, you can still bring them to the salon and have them colored/toned to match your current color, and cut to better blend into your hair. No reason you need to have two obviously different lengths of hair happening!

Do your homework. As always, research, research, RESEARCH. Look up different methods. Talk to people who have had experience with different types and get their take. Talk to a few professional stylists. Understand your current hair type, and also the look you are trying to achieve with the extensions. Have a price point in mind, and be prepared to invest the time and money into the maintenance of more “permanent” type extensions.

Worth the investment?

Absolutely! Investing in hair extensions two years ago was one of the best beauty decisions I have made for myself – they have given me a new confidence and are easy to work with on a daily basis.

I have used both Bellami and JZStyles beaded hair wefts and have been equally pleased. One great thing about my current extensions from JZStyles is they came out with a “co-z weft” which lays much flatter against your head and blends much better!

Clip-in extensions were great as the most cost-effective solution especially for someone that had never used extensions and didn’t know if it was a look I would want to continue outside of my “competition look”. NBR is more permanent, which- though more expensive- makes much more sense because I don’t have the irritation or the susceptibility to developing bald patches from the clip-ins over time. They are also MUCH more comfortable- I never notice they are there anymore. It does take a bit of planning for the maintenance of them, but I am quite happy with the ease of care and how much they have transformed my look. Overall I would support either option depending on what your reasoning was for each and your goals!

I do always recommend going to a salon and working with a professional who has been properly trained in extension installation and who has a broad knowledge on the different extensions, and sufficiently conveys that to you and works with you to come up with the best plan for your look. There are many different options, but always go to someone trustworthy and adequately trained!

Visit my Instagram to see more photos of my extensions, or hop over to this page on my blog!

I truly believe that great hair brings the whole package together, and extensions have done just that for me.

Note: Photos show different color hair extensions and highlights/lowlights as I have changed them up throughout the years!

Lifestyle

How to Transform Your Wardrobe Using Easy Basics

February 28, 2021 No Comments

Transform your wardrobe using easy basic pieces:

“I have nothing to wear!” … How many times have you yelled that out to the universe as you thrash through your closet? If I’m being honest, it was almost an every-day occurrence for me until I shifted my focus and changed up my purchasing habits. In this post, I’ll give you insight and links to some of my favorite pieces and methods of thought to create a wardrobe that works for you!

How to Change Your Buying Habits

The biggest change I have made is focusing more on neutrals and basic pieces. These are pieces that I can wear multiple times with different types of outfits and wear in different seasons. Collecting a variety of neutrals will almost always ensure you have something easy and put-together ready for you!

Ask yourself the following when deciding on a purchase:

Can I create at least 3 looks with this?

How many seasons can I use this in?

Do I find this comfortable enough to wear multiple times for multiple hours?

Is this trendy, or will I reach for it a lot over the next year or longer?

Is this piece of clothing flattering on my body type or am I buying it because it is what’s “in”?

Why Does this Work?

These questions have really helped to guide my decision making and have really transitioned my style. I feel they can absolutely do the same for you! What was once a closet full of random outfits for specific occasions has now grown into a wardrobe full of classic pieces that are easily mixed and matched.

Why does this method work? It’s pretty simple – it forces you to dive deeper and really question your purchases. Why are you buying this? Can you truly get good use out of it or are you buying it for a one-time use? Do you feel it flatters your body or are you buying it because it’s the current style? One thing that is important to remember: when you feel good, you look good, and confidence never goes out of style.

Does this mean there is no room for trendy items or things that you just love? Absolutely not! What this does mean is that you will be able to create more looks with those unique and trendy pieces without having a daily meltdown!

Where to Find Inspiration:

Follow me on Pinterest to see my content as well as the outfit inspiration I get from others

Shop my Instagram here

Follow me on LiketoKNOW.it to get updates and direct links to my outfits

Lifestyle

Affordable Home Office Makeover Under $500

February 14, 2021 2 Comments

Having a space in your home conducive to creating is so important! What does this look like for you? In this post, I’ll share my own creative office space makeover as well as some links to affordable options.

Where We Started

A little back story: Jeff and I bought our (first!) home just over one year ago. The house was built in the late 1940s, so while sturdy, it needed a few updates. We decided to slowly work on things and get our home designed and decorated a little at a time, and this room was the last to get tackled. The whole design of our home is a bit tricky, because it lacks a lot of storage space. This resulted in the decision to utilize a spare bedroom as a large “closet” and room to get ready. It also became the graveyard for laundry and laundry baskets and a source of stress for me (I hate clutter!).

For a long time, we weren’t really sure what to do with this room: do we wait until we can turn it into a nursery? Do we purchase more clothing racks and storage? Set up a small bed for guests? Well, out of necessity comes innovation. As I found myself longing for a good spot to work on my blog – something quiet and organized with a light and airy vibe – we decided this room would be the perfect spot!

Jeff has had his own home office since we first moved in, as he has always worked from home. I really wanted my own creative space with my own decor, so I started brainstorming.

What I Found

The first thing I did was prioritize what was most important to me and the overall mood I was trying to achieve. I knew I wanted clean, light & bright, and minimal. All of these have helped me in the past, so I focused on implementing them through the products and design of the space.

I did a lot of digging on all of your typical online stores and pinned on Pinterest to my little heart’s content. The color white would prove to be a main color, as well as adding in some grey and natural wood tones. I felt between the large white wardrobes, the white plantation shutters, and the original hardwood floors, these would be complementary.

Sticking with a theme would make it easier to stick within a budget, which was my next step. Of the pieces purchased, I easily spent under $500! I did re-use a few things, including an area rug, a photo collage board, and our PAX Wardrobes. After doing a lot of digging, I found some pieces I felt worked best to achieve my vision of what I wanted this space to be. With the help of my husband, who assembled things before I came home from work, the room took shape!

Where We Ended – Ta Da!

I am so incredibly happy with the way this room has turned out! It is so calm, peaceful, and just the right vibe to keep me motivated and working on content for my favorite pastime and creative outlet: this blog! I urge you to reconsider tackling that one scary room in your house, it will be worth the time and effort, and can propel you forward in ways you didn’t realize.

Head on over to the “Shop My Instagram” page for all of the links!

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Read about our first home renovation here!

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Lifestyle, Travel

Let’s Hang Out: The Robinson Room – Café & Cocktail Lounge

February 9, 2021 No Comments

One of the greatest things about downtown Orlando is the vast amount of unique venues to grab a drink. The Robinson Room Café & Cocktail Lounge is no exception! It is split into two levels: a light and airy brunch hangout downstairs, and upstairs awaits a cozy cocktail lounge. The cocktail lounge opens later in the day, so we will be taking a look exclusively at the coffee bar and downstairs café.

From the first glimpse, this antiquated-style building gives off modern Florida vibes.

Upon entering the downstairs café, you have the option of three main seating areas. On one side: couches and side tables, and on the other: plenty of whimsical swings and tables. An incredible and welcoming coffee bar separates the two.

The decor is perfect for an intimate brunch outing or a group celebration, offering plenty of beautiful backdrops for memorable photos!

Not jonesing for coffee but not quite in the mood for a cocktail yet? The Robinson Room also offers an assortment of flavorful juices. We found ourselves ready for cocktails and some savory small plates: we split some toast and truffle parmesan fries. Everything was delicious and filling – no need for desserts!

After an enjoyable experience in the downstairs coffee room, you can plan on an upstairs cocktail room review! Just through that small golden door…

Shop my outfits here

Find more local Orlando favorites here

Follow me on Pinterest

Lifestyle, Style

Fitness Finds to Get You Ready for Spring & Summer

January 31, 2021 No Comments

The past year has a been a little rough on us all, right? It’s been way too easy to lose motivation, so I wanted to help you gain a little back. One thing I have found that has helped me get back into a motivated mindset is getting new workout clothes. Below, you can find my tried-and-true personal favorites, as well as a few I have my eye on, and some affordable options with amazing reviews. Keep reading for my top fitness finds to get you ready for spring and summer!

Does it REALLY Make a Difference?

It was important to me to provide options that you can wear to workout or as athleisure while you’re out but still want to look somewhat put together. Versatile clothing gets you more uses and means you need less items of clothing!

You will probably notice that the majority of my athletic clothing comes from Lululemon, with Alo Yoga not far behind. Why? Because over the years, I have truly grasped why it is so important to have quality items that last. Durability – both with the actual use of the material and aesthetically speaking – is a MUST. There have been many fails from brands of all prices that have led me to my favorite brands. Most leggings and other pieces I own have lasted me 3+ years and still look brand new! Living a lifestyle where attending the gym regularly and spending a fair bit of time outdoors has made me re-evaluate where and how I’m spending my money on clothing.

Favorite Fitness Finds

1 – Alo Yoga: Wild Thing Bra $62.00

2 – Zella: Exhale Studio Lite Sports Bra $49.00

3 – Lululemon: Swiftly Tech Racerback 2.0 $58.00

4 – Alo Yoga: 7/8 Airbrush Legging $78.00

5 – Zella: Twist Front Tank $35.00

6 – Zella: Live In High Waist Pocket Crop Leggings $41.00

7 – Adidas: NMD_R1 Sneaker $140.00

8 – Amazon: Colorful Koala Leggings $25.00

9 – Lululemon: Define Jacket $118.00

10 – Lululemon: Cool Racerback II $48.00

11 – Lululemon: Wunder Under High-Rise Tight 25″ Full-On Luxtreme $98.00

12 – Alo Yoga: High-Waist Moto Legging $114.00

13 – Adidas: Swift Run X Sneaker $60.00

14 – Lululemon: Wunder Under Super High-Rise Tight 28″ Full-On Luxtreme $98.00

15 – Wunder Under High-Rise Tight 28″ Full-On Luxtreme $98.00

– Head to the SHOP MY INSTAGRAM tab on my blog for all links –

Follow me on Pinterest for more motivation!

Lifestyle

Laser Hair Removal : What You NEED to Know

January 24, 2021 No Comments

What is it?

Laser hair removal is a process that uses a concentrated beam of light from a laser to “zap” and destroy the targeted hair follicles without affecting the skin. Over time, this will noticeably decrease hair growth.

There are many different laser machines and settings that are used to cater to each different complexion. The darker and more coarse the hair and the less pigment in the skin, the more effective the treatment will likely be. Why? This is because the pigment in the hair is what attracts the laser.

Why I’m Doing It

My mother’s side of the family is Italian. Both of my parents also have dark hair. You can probably connect the dots from here…

Having been blessed with thick, coarse, dark hair by the genetic gods has left me shaving my legs and underarms every day (living in Florida means 7 cold days a year). With excessive shaving comes redness, ingrown hairs, and skin sensitivity that almost makes one question, “which is worse: the hair growth or the irritation?”. It only gets worse with the rogue facial hairs that walked their way into my life in my 20s.

Having been hit by the struggle bus one-too-many times, I decided to take the plunge and get back on a consistent treatment regimen for laser hair removal. I tried it out a few times about 10 years ago but was very inconsistent, so I did see results, but not nearly to their full potential. After re-starting my treatments and using a newer laser, I am already experiencing amazing results!

How to Prepare

Avoid tanning – in the sun or self-tanner and other tanning products. The laser is attracted to the pigment in the hair, so the more pigment found on the skin, the less likely to have the best and most efficient results.
Shave the area(s) to be treated either the night before or morning of – don’t pluck! …or wax, or use depilatory creams.
Make sure the area is clean and free of any lotions, creams, fragrances, oils, etc.
Take a pain pill if you tend to be a bit more sensitive to pain (this can also depend on the specific treatment area).
Avoid alcohol consumption – it can actually contribute to increased sensitivity to pain.
Be sure you have not had any Botox, filler, microdermabrasion or chemical peel treatments within the 14 days prior to your laser hair procedure.
Avoid using topical products that can cause photosensitivity in the treatment areas.

What to Expect

Laser hair removal is exciting and can be life-changing! You can expect to begin the process by initially consulting with your provider in regards to your desired treatment areas, whether you are a candidate, how to prepare, how many treatments are expected, the cost, and the aftercare.

Your candidacy depends on your complexion and hair pigment. The lighter the skin and the more dark and coarse the hair, the more effective the treatment will be. Light, fine hair (also known as “vellus hair”) will usually not respond to laser treatments.

The actual treatment process can differ with each laser. My personal experience has been virtually painless! Generally speaking, there are certain areas that tend to be a bit more sensitive than others, but nothing I haven’t been able to handle. Pain is a very subjective thing; this procedure feels similar to a rubber band repeatedly snapping on your skin. The timing of the treatment appointment has also historically been very efficient. Larger areas to be treated will take longer to treat.

Prepare to commit! Your treatment plan depends on the specific area(s) being addressed. The schedule can average anywhere from every 4 to 10 weeks between treatments. Areas may need to be treated 5+ times.

Remember! Even after all of your planned treatments, you may still not be completely “hairless”. Laser hair will greatly reduce hair growth, but you may still see hair growth. Usually the hair that does come in is substantially finer and lighter, and takes much longer to make itself known.

Side Effects | Reactions

Redness and minor swelling – Apply ice if needed.

Hyper-pigmentation or scarring – avoid this by reducing sun exposure and avoiding any self-tanning products close to your treatments.

Aftercare

Apply ice to any red or swollen areas

The treated areas will still show hair growth – the hair you shaved and treated may take weeks to finally grow out (that’s normal!) and fall out. Exfoliating the area tends to help this process along. The treated area will also feel significantly smoother because you are not experiencing as much stubble and re-growth as in the past.

My Results – Does it Work?

Absolutely – YES! I was actually lasered a handful of times (and very infrequently) about 10 years ago. I was younger and inconsistent with my treatments- but even still- I noticed years later that my treated areas still had hair regrowth but it was much slower and finer than what I had started with. Fast forward to now and I have began to treat my previously lasered areas as well as try some new areas and commit to a schedule, and the results have been wonderful!

It has truly already changed my life in such a positive way – I gain time back from not having to shave and obsessively pluck every single day. The irritation from shaving is no longer an issue. I can use lotion and creams comfortably! The regrowth from the follicles or the “5-o’clock shadow” is no longer a thought in the back of my mind. These are all things that having been nothing short of life-changing for me. When something changes my life for the better, the first thing I want to do is share it with those I care about!

I fully encourage you to consider laser hair removal and to book an appointment with a certified and licensed specialist!

Lifestyle

Cozy Coffee Corners of Orlando

January 9, 2021 No Comments

One thing any Orlando resident can agree on is there is no shortage of coffee shops in the city and neighborhoods. As with almost every weekend, Jeff and I find ourselves driving around our favorite neighborhoods and cozying up in a coffee shop at some point to get some work done.

A few of our new-found favorite places offering a cozy atmosphere and an easy vibe:

LOBOS Coffee Roasters

Café Frutos Selectos

New General

Put on your cozy clothes and let’s check out some coffee shops!

LOBOS Coffee Roasters

Let’s start with LOBOS Coffee Roasters: Located in Audubon Park, they are brand new and offer a sleek and modern coffee house design with plenty of seating and bright natural lighting. Freshly squeezed Florida orange juice is made just behind the counter, as well as an awesome assortment of coffees and even a few beers! The staff always gives a warm welcome and the vibes are always conducive to productivity or comfortable enough to catch up with a friend.

Café Frutos Selectos

Café Frutos Selectos is another one of our new-found cozy corners. Located in Hannibal Square, this corner coffeeshop has Columbian roots that permeate the air between their delicious coffee and savory treats. Tucked away adjacent to a few larger neighborhood restaurants, this place is perfect to find your own little space and slow down for a few.

New General

Finally, New General off of Park Ave offers some natural vibes and hearty breakfast selections! Just around the corner and off a side street of Park Avenue, you can simply sit and enjoy the atmosphere with a coffee and yummy treat, set up shop and get productive or shop around for a few odds and ends. Being located so close to Park Avenue, you can also see all the sights of the area I’ve covered in my post all about Winter Park!

Where are some of your favorite coffee spots in the area? Be sure to check out my Orlando & Florida Lifestyle on Pinterest!

Lifestyle, Travel

Orlando’s Dreamy Secret : Winter Park

December 27, 2020 No Comments

Have you ever wondered if there was anything to Orlando beyond the theme parks?

Head just north of downtown Orlando and you will find the small city of Winter Park, and nestled in the heart of it: a picturesque street known as Park Avenue.

Park Avenue has harbored so many memories for us over the years, it’s hard to not want to share its magic with everyone. From small business shops and cafés to more commercial brand storefronts, to a sprawling green park and amphitheater to beautiful boutique hotels and old churches, there is something for everyone! … Psst — even Mr. Rogers claimed Winter Park as his neighborhood!

Let’s take a stroll down Park Ave to get a quick glimpse of the magic that lies within this cozy town, and consider fitting this into your agenda the next time you visit Orlando!

You’ll find the avenue is decorated with a unique mix of modern and antiquated-style storefronts, and some gardens to sit and enjoy a nice cup of coffee or just take in the warm Florida sunshine.

Park Avenue also houses plenty of bars and restaurants to celebrate the good times with your loved ones. The Wine Room (shown below) is actually an old bank, and includes an area downstairs in the old vault of the bank!

Boutiques are abundant, as are the beautiful floral decorations to acknowledge each season to the fullest and provide pedestrians with a charming landscape to take a stroll.

Straight ahead exists Central Park, which also houses the train station to travel between cities throughout the Orlando metro area. Movie nights, art festivals, and other seasonal festivals are held here year-round!

The “Hidden Garden”, where you can find a pocket of shops and restaurants just off the main walk, is my favorite place to sneak away!

Due to its beauty, Park Avenue is also a popular wedding destination!

Just adjacent to Park Avenue is Hannibal Square, where you can find more cafés and dining options with lush landscaping and warmly-lit corners to have a cozy beginning – or end – to your day.

Capturing the beauty of Winter Park – let alone Orlando – is seemingly impossible as there are so many beautiful little spaces to appreciate. This cozy pocket of Winter Park is at the top of my list for must-experience’s, and I hope you get to immerse yourself in this scene, too!

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